AlterNet's Weekly Zeitgeist List -- The 10 Hottest Issues of the Day

By Don Hazen, AlterNet. Posted July 8, 2008.

A pilot feature of AlterNet on key questions of the day -- is Obama really tacking to the center, and why gas is so damn pricey.

Send comments to feedback@alternet.org.

1. Is Obama shifting rightward? What should supporters do?
As Arianna Huffington put it, in the words of Molly Ivins: "'You got to dance with them what brung you.' Voters longing for hope, inspiration, a new kind of politics, and fundamental change are 'them that brung you' to the big dance. Don't let the pundits, the advisors, and the cowards convince you to let someone else cut in."

Memo to Obama: Moving to the Middle Is for Losers
By Arianna Huffington

2. Is the economy in free fall?
The labor market is deteriorating as jobs are cut; the stock market is in bear territory; and the mortgage crisis continues. Are we facing impending economic doom? So far Obama and McCain are offering tinkering around the edges -- save a few mortgages, extend unemployment, etc. Where are the bold ideas?

Bush Economy Sheds 62K Jobs in June; Sixth Straight Monthly Decline
By Dean Baker